US President Donald Trump speaks during a Mother's Day luncheon in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, DC, on May 8, 2026. (AFP)
This live blog follows the latest developments across the Middle East crisis, including regional diplomacy, maritime security, ceasefire negotiations, and economic fallout.
Catch up: Yesterday’s top developments
Trump says draft deal with Iran includes opening of Strait of Hormuz
Published: May 23, 2026 | 20:46 GMT | by AFP
US President Donald Trump said Saturday that Iran and the US had "largely negotiated" a deal that included opening the Strait of Hormuz, but the draft was "subject to finalization."
"An Agreement has been largely negotiated, subject to finalization between the United States of America, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the various other Countries," Trump wrote on Truth Social, referring to multiple Middle East nations. "In addition to many other elements of the Agreement, the Strait of Hormuz will be opened."
Iran move World Cup base from US to Mexico: federation
Published: May 23, 2026 | 20:50 GMT | by AFP
Iran are moving their World Cup training base to Mexico after football's world governing body FIFA approved a request to transfer it from Tucson, Arizona, the head of Iran's football federation said on Saturday.
"Fortunately, thanks to the meetings we had with FIFA officials... our request to change countries from the United States to Mexico, due to problems encountered in obtaining visas, was accepted by FIFA. We will therefore be based in Tijuana, near the Pacific Ocean," federation president Mehdi Taj said in a video carried by the Fars news agency.
Israeli strike kills five Gaza police officers, child: hospital
Published: May 23, 2026 | 19:39 GMT | by AFP
An Israeli strike killed five police officers and a child in the northern Gaza Strip on Saturday, said rescuers and the Palestinian territory's police force, which operate under Hamas authority.
Gaza's civil defense agency reported six people killed and "a certain number of injured" after an airstrike targeted a police site in the al-Tuam area.
The al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City confirmed that it received six bodies, which included those of five police officers and one child born in 2011.
An AFP correspondent there saw at least three bodies wrapped in white shrouds.
The police force in Gaza said five of its officers were killed, adding that two missiles had been fired on the police site in al-Tuam.
A witness said the attack targeted a tent used by police, located next to a checkpoint.
The territory remains gripped by daily violence as Israeli strikes continue.
At least 890 Palestinians have been killed since the October 10 ceasefire, according to Gaza's health ministry. Media restrictions and limited access in Gaza by Israeli blockade have prevented AFP from freely covering the conflict.
Iranian envoy to Pakistan says, ‘positive strides taking shape’
Published: May 23, 2026 | 20:01 GMT | by Web Desk
Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, says, “With conservative optimism, we can hope that… a positive stride is taking shape.”
He further said that he hoped the “sincere efforts” of Pakistani leadership “will lead to lasting peace in the region.”
US, Iran to announce draft of peace plan within 24 hours: Washington Times
Published: May 23, 2026 | 18:20 GMT | by Web Desk
The US and Iran are expected to announce the finalization of a draft proposal of a peace deal to end the fighting on all fronts by Sunday afternoon, The Washington Times reported, citing sources.
According to the outlet, Pakistan’s Field Marshal Asim Munir “served as the chief mediator in the talks, [who] held multiple meetings to ensure the draft could be finalized and sent to leadership.”
The outlet’s source said that the deal, if approved, would transform the current ceasefire into “permanent peace.”
Trump tells CBS that US, Iran 'getting a lot closer' to agreement
Published: May 23, 2026 | 17:20 GMT | by Web Desk
US President Donald Trump told CBS in a phone interview on Saturday that the United States and Iran are "getting a lot closer" to an agreement to end the war in the Middle East.
The outlet also reported that Trump was scheduled to speak with Gulf leaders by phone later today.
Pakistan’s Field Marshal concludes ‘highly productive’ Iran visit: Military
Published: May 23, 2026 | 14:40 GMT | by Web Desk
Field Marshal Asim Munir concluded a short but “highly productive official visit to Iran,” Pakistan military’s media wing said in a statement.
“The engagements were held in a positive and constructive environment and contributed meaningfully towards the mediation process,” the statement further added that the negotiations resulted in “encouraging progress towards a final understanding.”
Iran says in 'final stage' of drafting framework for deal with US
Published: May 23, 2026 | 14:20 GMT | by AFP
Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said on Saturday that Tehran was in the final stages of drafting a framework for a deal to end the war with the United States.
"Within a reasonable period of 30 to 60 days, the details of these points will be discussed, and a final agreement will ultimately be concluded. We are currently in the process of finalising these memoranda of understanding," he told state broadcaster IRIB.
Rubio says "chance" of Iran accepting deal as soon as Saturday
Published: May 23, 2026 | 14:03 GMT | by AFP
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said there was a chance Iran would accept a deal to end the Middle East war as soon as Saturday.
"There is a chance that, whether it's later today, tomorrow, in a couple days, we may have something to say," Rubio told reporters , adding he hoped for "good news".
Israel warns of imminent strikes on 10 Lebanese villages
Published: May 23, 2026 | 12:05 GMT | by AFP
Israel warned the residents of 10 villages in southern Lebanon to evacuate their homes immediately to avoid planned air strikes against alleged Hezbollah targets.
"In light of the terrorist Hezbollah's violation of the ceasefire agreement, the IDF is compelled to act forcefully against it. The IDF does not intend to harm you," military spokesman Avichay Adraee said.
"For your safety, you must evacuate your homes immediately and move away from the villages and towns by a distance of no less than 1,000 meters into open areas."
Qatari FM urges de-escalation in call with Iranian counterpart
Published: May 23, 2026 | 09:47 GMT | by Web Desk
Qatari prime minister and foreign minister has spoken by phone with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, reiterating Doha’s full support for ongoing efforts to reach a comprehensive agreement to end the crisis, Al Jazeera reported, quoting a Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement.
During the conversation, the Qatari minister emphasized that every side involved should engage constructively with the ongoing mediation initiatives to help secure lasting peace and stability across the region.
He warned that shutting down the Strait of Hormuz or exploiting it as leverage would “only deepen the crisis and threaten the essential interests of countries in the region.”
The Qatari minister added that freedom of navigation is “a basic principle that cannot be compromised.”
The minister further urged all parties to respect international law and uphold the principles of good neighborly relations, while placing the welfare of the region and its people above all else.
Iran’s UN envoy rejects US allegations about attack on UAE's nuclear plant
Published: May 23, 2026 | 08:50 GMT | by Web Desk
Iranian envoy to the UN has dismissed US allegations regarding a drone strike against the Barakah nuclear power plant in UAE, saying Washington "abused the Security Council to spread false accusations against Iran and its peaceful nuclear program," according to state-run Press TV.
In identical letters addressed to the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and the rotating President of the Security Council Fu Cong on Friday, Amir Saeid Iravani said that the US Ambassador to the UN, Mike Waltz, during the Security Council meeting held on May 19 under the agenda item “The situation in the Middle East,” falsely accused Iran of responsibility for the alleged assault without providing any verified evidence, the Press TV report said.
“Iran categorically rejects this allegation. Iran itself has been the victim of attacks and acts of aggression by the United States and the Israeli regime against its safeguarded peaceful nuclear facilities,” the report states, quoting the letter.
People killed after Israeli raids in Lebanese towns: State media
Published: May 23, 2026 | 08:31 GMT | by Web Desk
An Israeli air raid that struck the town of Shahabiya has resulted in the deaths and injuries to a number of people, according to state-run National News Agency (NNA).
A separate attack targeting a house in the town of al-Rafid killed at least one person and injured another, NNA reported.
Iranian, Omani FMs discuss diplomatic efforts to end war
Published: May 23, 2026 | 07:17 GMT | by Web Desk
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has spoken by phone with his Omani counterpart, Badr Albusaidi.
The two foreign ministers discussed “the latest regional developments and the ongoing diplomatic efforts to prevent escalation of tensions and end the war, exchanging views and opinions,” Al Jazeera reported, quoting Iran’s semiofficial Tasnim News Agency.
Iranian view of talks closer to reality than US view, says Russian ambassador
Published: May 23, 2026 | 06:50 GMT | by Web Desk
Russia’s representative to international organizations in Geneva has said that the Iranian assessment of talks to end the war is likely closer to reality than that of the US.
In a social media post on X on Saturday, Ulyanov said: “Iranian assessments are closer to actual state of affairs.”
He said that US messaging at this stage is “less responsible”.
Iran weighs peace proposal, accuses US of 'excessive demands'
Published: May 23, 2026 | 06:33 GMT | by AFP
Tehran accused the United States of "excessive demands", Iranian media said on Saturday, as US media reports raised the prospect that Washington was mulling new strikes and leaders of the Islamic republic considered the latest peace proposal.
Trump has described the stop-start negotiations this week as teetering on the "borderline" between renewed attacks and a deal to end the war, which began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran on Feb. 28 and led to competing blockades around the strategic Strait of Hormuz that have roiled the global economy.
Iranian FM discusses regional developments with Turkish, Qatari, Japanese and Iraqi counterparts
Published: May 23, 2026 | 06:09 GMT | by Web Desk
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has discussed the latest regional and international developments with his Turkish, Qatari, Japanese, and Iraqi counterparts, according to state-run IRNA News Agency.
In separate phone conversations with Hakan Fidan, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Toshimitsu Motegi, and Fuad Mohammed Hussein, Araghchi exchanged views on bilateral issues.
The Iranian foreign minister also discussed the latest regional and international developments, IRNA reported.
Pakistan ambassador, UN secretary general's personal envoy discuss Middle East situation
Published: May 23, 2026 | 06:09 GMT | by Web Desk
Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN, met with Jean Arnault, Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary General on the Middle East Situation and Its Consequences to discuss the situation in the Middle East and its wider implications, said a post shared by Pakistan's mission to the UN on X on Saturday.
"Both sides exchanged views on the latest regional developments and ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at promoting peace and de-escalation," the post said.
US excessive demands push NPT into free fall: Iran
Published: May 23, 2026 | 03:53 GMT | by Web Desk
The Iranian Mission to the UN, in a post on X on Saturday, stated: "The NPT Review Conference failed for the third consecutive time due to obstructionism by the United States and its allies."
"Iran’s warning: Without nuclear disarmament, no future can be envisaged for the NPT," the post added.
Qatar discusses Pakistan-led Iran-US mediation with regional partners
Published: May 23, 2026 | 1:44 GMT | by Web Desk
Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani held discussions with the foreign ministers of Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan regarding Pakistan-led mediation efforts between the United States and Iran, Al Jazeera reported.
A statement from Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said Sheikh Mohammed’s call with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan focused on the importance of resolving regional crises through dialogue.
It added that the discussions included coordination on diplomatic steps aimed at reducing regional tensions.
A Qatari delegation is currently in Tehran in connection with the mediation efforts, as per Al Jazeera.
Iran condemns US-Israeli attack as violation of sovereignty
Published: May 23, 2026 | 1:23 GMT | by Web Desk
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said the recent US-Israeli attack on Iran should not be treated as simply an avoidable conflict, describing it instead as direct aggression against a sovereign country, according to Iran’s state news agency IRNA.
Baqaei said the attack amounted to a clear breach of international law and rejected attempts to soften its characterization.
The spokesperson also linked the current tensions to the United States’ withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear agreement.
Pakistan’s CDF arrives at Tehran to advance regional mediation efforts
Published: May 22, 2026 | 17:04 GMT | by Web Desk
Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Asim Munir arrived in Tehran on Friday for an official visit, the military’s media wing reported.
According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the field marshal was received by Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni upon arrival. Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi was also present at the reception.
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